Retirement isn’t just about how much you save—it’s about how your money works when the paycheck stops. In this episode of Retirement Readiness, Brigette Engstrom takes a clear-eyed look at the current state of the U.S. retirement system and the growing challenges individuals face as they plan for life after work. She explains why focusing solely on account balances can miss the bigger picture and why understanding retirement income is central to long-term financial clarity. The conversation explores the shift away from traditional pensions toward self-funded retirement through 401(k) plans, and what that change means for today’s workers and retirees. Bridget also discusses the value of having a financial blueprint to help navigate retirement decisions with confidence and context, encouraging listeners to engage more thoughtfully with how their retirement strategy is built.